Rivian Electric Vehicle Maker Backed by Amazon Recalls 12,000 Cars

A Rivian R1T electric truck outside Munro and Associates headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., on June 3, 2022. Rebecca Cook/Reuters

An electric vehicle maker backed by Amazon is recalling around 12,000 of its vehicles over an improperly fastened bolt that could increase the risk of a crash.

The company, Rivian which makes upscale electric SUVs and trucks, reported a defect in three models in which a fastener in the steering system may have been inadequately tightened, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

According to an NHTSA letter (pdf) acknowledging Rivian’s report of the recall, a loose steering knuckle fastener “could separate, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.”

The affected vehicles are Rivian’s 2022 R1T, R1S, and EDV.

“The subject population is comprised of model year 2022 R1T and R1S vehicles built during a 13-month period, and a subset of EDVs produced between December 10, 2021, and September 27, 2022, in which records cannot confirm that the front upper control arm and the steering knuckle retention fastener for each front wheel was sufficiently torqued,” the company said in a statement.

Rivian said that the issue could mean that steering knuckles are “insufficiently torqued” which could “cause excessive wheel camber, or, in rare instances, a separation, affecting the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, and increasing the risk of a crash.”

Owners will be notified of the recall by mail on Nov. 24 and dealers will inspect and tighten the steering knuckle fastener as needed for free.

Third Recall This Year

The company said notified owners can visit Rivian Service Centers or pop-up service locations without an appointment. Further, impacted vehicles will receive prioritized appointments to inspect and fix the problem if needed.

“For the very small percentage where parts replacements are required, loaner vehicles will be made available while the vehicle is brought into a Rivian Service Center,” the company said. “The recall service and as needed, trip interruption, and towing services will be available at no cost to you.”

This is the third recall for Rivian’s R1T and R1S 2022 models this year.

In September, Rivian announced that some of the vehicles “may have been built with suspect seat belt assembly anchorage installations.”

The issue affected the front seat belt anchors on some vehicles, which the company said might not have been properly attached to the B-pillar. This could increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Earlier this year, the company reported an issue in which there was a risk that the front passenger airbag might not be deactivated as required if a child seat is in place. In the event of a crash, the air bag might deploy, which the company said increased the risk of injury.

Rivian reported in October that it had produced 7,363 vehicles at its Illinois manufacturing facility and delivered 6,584 vehicles in the quarter ending Sept. 30. This was an increase from the preceding quarter.

The company is aiming to produce 25,000 vehicles in its first full year of production.

The Epoch Times asked Rivian for further comments.